CHARNWOOD taxi drivers are set to undergo more rigorous vetting following a decision by the local licensing authority.

All applicants for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers licences to Charnwood Borough Council are subject to a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) unless they are Private Hire Operators who are not current drivers.

But the DBS cannot access criminal records held outside the United Kingdom and so, in order to get a fuller background of applicants, the council’s Licencing Committee has agreed that applicants who have lived outside the UK for three months or more – except for being on active service as a member of the British Armed Forces – will be asked for a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country they lived in.

Before this decision, council guidance was that applicants may be required to produce such a certificate.

Anyone unable to provide a certificate must explain in writing why, and provide at least two written references in English from individuals and/or bodies who can confirm their conduct.

The committee also agreed that DBS checks will be carried out for all new drivers and those renewing their licence.